This article will aid you in removing the RensenWare ransomware absolutely. Follow the ransomware removal instructions given at the bottom of the article.
The RensenWare virus is an encrypting ransomware type. The ransomware will lock your files and place a secondary extension to them, which is .RENSENWARE. After your computer gets infected, the RensenWare cryptovirus will display a window with a ransom message. That message shows right after the file-encryption process is completed and instead of money, requires you to reach an insanely huge score in the game “Touhou Seirensen 12 ~ Undefined Fantastic Object”. Read on to see how you could decrypt your files.
Threat Summary
| Name | RensenWare |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware virus will encrypt your files and also put a lock screen window up. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will display a window containing a ransom note and will encrypt files while placing the .RENSENWARE extension to them. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss RensenWare. |
| Data Recovery Tool | Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive. |
RensenWare Virus – Delivery
The RensenWare virus might deliver its infection through different ways. The payload file which executes the malicious script for this ransomware, that in turn infects your computer system, is circling around the Internet. Malware researchers have found an executable file that delivers the payload. You can see the detections of various security vendors for that recently found executable by checking the screenshot from the VirusTotal service right here:
The RensenWare virus could also deliver its payload file on social media sites and file-sharing networks. Freeware applications which are found on the Web could be presented as helpful but at the same time could be hiding the malicious script for this cryptovirus. Don’t be opening files right when you have downloaded them, especially if they come from sources such as suspicious links or emails. Instead, you should scan them beforehand with a security tool, while also checking the sizes and signatures of those files for anything that seems unusual. You should give the tips for ransomware prevention a read, found on our forums.
RensenWare Virus – Further Details
RensenWare is a cryptovirus of the ransomware variety. Once your files get encrypted by this latest variant, they will receive the .RENSENWARE extension. The ransom isn’t money, but instead, you as a victim are required to reach an insanely huge score in the game “Touhou Seirensen 12 ~ Undefined Fantastic Object”. In the screenshot down here you can see how that game looks like:
The ransom message will pop up inside a window screen after the encryption process is finished. That message contains instructions on how you might get your files back. The note of RensenWare opens in a lock screen. You can see the note in the snapshot provided right here:
The ransom note inside that window reads the following:
Rensenware WARNING!
WARNING!
Your syste have been encrypted by RensenWare
What the HELL is it?
Minamitsu “The Captain” Murasa encrypted your precious data like documents, musics, pictures, and some kinda project files. it can’t be recovered without this application because they are encrypted with highly strong encryption algorithm, using random key.
How can I recover my files?
That’s easy. You just play TH12 ~ Undefined Fantastic Object and score over 0.2 billion in LUNATIC level. this application will detect TH12 process and score automatically. DO NOT TRY CHEATING OR TEMRMINATE THIS APPLICATION IF YOU DON’T WANT TO BLOW UP THE ENCRYPTION KEY!
As clearly seen from the ransom message above, the developer of the RensenWare cryptovirus wants the ransom to be paid out by playing a game and reaching an insane amount of points. This particular ransomware is set as a joke, but it got leaked to the Internet by mistake. Keep on reading and see what could be done about decrypting your files.
RensenWare Virus – Encryption Process
RensenWare ransomware is set to encrypt all files which have the following extensions:
→.jpg, .txt, .png, .pdf, .hwp, .psd, .cs, .c, .cpp, .vb, .bas, .frm, .mp3, .wav, .flac, .gif, .doc, .xls, .xlsx, .docx, .ppt, .pptx, .js, .avi, .mp4, .mkv, .zip, .rar, .alz, .egg, .7z, .raw
The encryption algorithm is discovered to be AES 256-bit by malware researchers. The extension which will be given to files that have been encrypted is .RENSENWARE and it will be appended as a secondary one, keeping the original extension of the files, including their file names.
Don’t worry about your computer system being infected or playing the game to unlock your files. Although the ransomware threatens that if you somehow cheat your data will be irrevocably lost, but no such system is actually implemented. All of your data files can be recovered with the help of a tool that lies about the game’s score, by placing the right amount, so the decryption process can begin. That tool is called rensenWare_forcer and it comes from the original developer with a note of apology as seen below:
If the tool didn’t decrypt some of the files, you would see an option to try and manually decrypt the rest:
Be warned, as the ransomware developer says to be extremely careful when tampering with the ransomware depending on what version it is, as quoted below:
DO NOT TRY TO OTHER BUILDS OF RENSENWARE IF YOU ARE NOT SURE IT’S INITIAL VERSION OF RENSENWARE. INITIAL VERSION OF RENSENWARES DOES NOT HAVE MEMORY MANIPULATION DETECTING LOGIC, BUT OTHER BUILDS MAY HAVE IT.
The original version of the ransomware was intended as a joke, but other ones might be created as the source code of the virus was leaked.
Remove RensenWare Virus and Restore .RENSENWARE Files
If your computer got infected with the RensenWare virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for RensenWare with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall RensenWare and related malware from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by RensenWare on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by RensenWare there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove RensenWare
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by RensenWare.
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and RensenWare aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
RensenWare-FAQ
What is RensenWare Ransomware?
RensenWare is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
What Does RensenWare Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does RensenWare Infect?
Via several ways.RensenWare Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
Another way you may become a victim of RensenWare is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open .RensenWare files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .RensenWare files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .RensenWare files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".RensenWare" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .RensenWare files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of RensenWare Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate RensenWare ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .RensenWare files.
Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Italy - Polizia Di Stato
Spain - Policía Nacional
Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can RensenWare Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the RensenWare Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this RensenWare how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the RensenWare ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
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- Always check "About Us" web page.
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